Baker Brothers Plumbing & Airhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com
Thu, 08 Dec 2016 19:33:42 +0000en-UShourly1Diagnose Plumbing Noises in 2 Stepshttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/diagnose-plumbing-noises-2-steps/
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 20:12:14 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=8512Diagnose Plumbing Noises in 2 Steps Do you hear that noise? There – the one that sounds like it’s coming from your plumbing? What is that? It could be a variety of things, and to figure it out, you need to know two things: where is the noise coming from, and what does the noise…

Do you hear that noise? There – the one that sounds like it’s coming from your plumbing? What is that?

It could be a variety of things, and to figure it out, you need to know two things: where is the noise coming from, and what does the noise sound like?

NOISES FROM THE TOILET: The toilet is making noise, or something near the toilet, anyway. Does it sound like:

-Whistling in the pipes? If the sound comes and goes, it is probably a slow leak in your toilet fill valve. To determine which toilet is causing the sound, remove the lid of each toilet in your home and adjust the fill valve until the sound stops.

OR

-Vibrating in the wall when you flush the toilet? This might also be the toilet’s fill valve. If it goes bad, it can dry out and become brittle. Instead of sealing properly, it bounces and rattles, sending vibrations down the pipe. Open the toilet tank and lift the fill valve arm. If the noise stops, you’ve got your culprit. If this is your problem, you’ll need a new fill valve mechanism.

PIPE NOISES: The pipes make a noise when I use the faucet or shower.

-There’s a banging noise when I turn the faucet off. This usually happens for one of two reasons:

1) Loose pipes: If your pipes are not well-secured in the walls, they can make a banging noise when the water passes through them and then comes to a stop.

2) Water hammer: Similarly, because water moves through your pipes with force, that force needs to go somewhere when the water is stopped. Water hammer happens when the pipe flexes to absorb the water’s force and knocks against nearby material. This can be addressed by installing a water hammer arrestor, which absorbs the force created by the water.

OR

-There’s a “whooshing” sound when the faucet or shower is on. This typically indicates buildup in your pipes, which isn’t serious in and of itself, but can lead to problems over time.

WATER HEATER NOISES: The water heater rumbles when it’s operating. This usually means that there is a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the heater, and water is getting trapped in the sediment and boiling. This causes the water heater to operate inefficiently, and should be remedied as soon as possible; otherwise, you’ll be throwing money down the drain.

If you want our help, simply download the Baker Brothers Mobile App and use the DIAGNOSE feature where you can shoot a short video of the sound or visual issue and send it in to us to help us diagnose which technician we need to send out to your home.

With just a few simple tips, it’s a lot easier to diagnose where your plumbing problems are occurring. It’s one less step to go through with your plumber, and can help you save time and money. If you have trouble figuring out where your issues lies, or need help fixing it, just give Baker Brothers a call.

]]>10 Things to do Before Buying a New HVAC Systemhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/10-things-buying-new-hvac-system/
Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:00:12 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=858310 Things to do Before Buying a New HVAC System Today in America, owning a home is one of the most dream fulfilling purchases. Big or small, our very own castle is a place to relax, unwind, and be comfortable. Comfort being extremely important, especially in Texas. Our local temperatures are usually above 90 degrees,…

Today in America, owning a home is one of the most dream fulfilling purchases. Big or small, our very own castle is a place to relax, unwind, and be comfortable.

Comfort being extremely important, especially in Texas. Our local temperatures are usually above 90 degrees, until February when they drop to 28 degrees for a day of two. With such a changing climate, your air conditioning unit and furnace will get lots of use. Sometimes you will need to service or replace this unit. So we have put together a list of things to do weather you are having a unit in your home serviced or replaced.

1. Get a second opinion

You should always get a second opinion from another HVAC company, technician, or contractor. Just because one company recommends an entirely new unit, doesn’t necessarily mean that you need one. You may need a simple part replacement or the problem may be with another part your house, for example insufficient insulation. A new AC or furnace unit is a big investment and a second opinion will never hurt, only help.

2. Do your homework

Research online for the best products and reviews from other consumers. Double check the prices of the recommended air conditioning unit or furnace to make sure that you are getting a good deal from the companies you consulted. The internet is a
great resource to learn about your options

3. Vet the business

Has the HVAC company you are working with been around for a long time? You’ll want
a company with longevity of business. If something were to go wrong with the
installation or your new air conditioner or furnace were to break, you’ll need a
company that will still be around to come back and fix the problem. The surest way of
knowing that a company will be around in the future is to look at their history.

4. Know your contractor

Make sure that the technician or contractor that you hire is trained and certified.
Getting the right equipment will mean nothing if it is not installed and fitted properly.
In addition, you should build a relationship with your contractor or HVAC technician.
This relationship will ensure that if there is a problem in the future, the technician will
handle it quickly and be sure to answer all of your questions.

5. Ask friends and family for recommendations

Ask family and friends that you trust for a recommendation on which company to use.
Reviews from people that you trust and know in real life are much more reliable than
both positive and negative reviews that you read online.

6. Weigh cost-benefit options

Consider whether it will be more cost-efficient to replace your unit or simply to repair
it. If the problem is small and simple, like a broken part, you may be better off
repairing your unit. However, many factors go into this decision. The age of the unit
and the general effectiveness of the unit should be considered. It may be more
expensive for you to continually repair an old unit than it would be to buy a new one
all together. Consider the long-term costs.

7. Consider the unique needs of your region

The needs of mild northern summers will be different than the needs of hot, humid
summers of the southeast. It is important to determine what kind of unit you will need
for the climate you live in. Your local HVAC company will probably have
recommendations tailor-made to the region you live in, but it never hurts to double
check with a little research of your own.

8. Get a written estimate

Get a written estimate from the companies that you are considering. It is important to
make sure that both companies are quoting the same equipment to make sure that
you are comparing apples to apples. This will help you determine which company to
use during your replacement.

9. Consider new technology

When looking at a replacement, you should consider the value of new technology.
Because most people don’t have to replace their unit very often they don’t keep up
with the latest technology in HVAC. If your AC unit hasn’t been replaced in the last 6-8
years, it is likely that newer models are more efficient than what you currently have.
Advancements in technology make each new model more sophisticated than the last.

10. Schedule yearly tune-ups

Yearly tune-ups of your furnace and ac unit are recommended to keep it running
smoothly and get ahead of potential problems. This is an expensive piece of
equipment that should not be neglected. Yearly tune-ups also give you a chance to
know about upcoming replacement needs before your unit desperately needs it. This
gives you the opportunity to do research, consider your options, and save money
without the pressure of a time crunch.

Remember, this is your home and your money. So stay comfortable as the ruler of your kingdom!

]]>How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/often-change-furnace-filter/
Sat, 01 Oct 2016 18:36:41 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=8485How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter? Short answer? When it looks about like this: The long answer might be more complicated than you think. Remember when we explained how to choose a furnace filter? Well, the type of filter you have affects how often it needs to be changed. Basic Fiberglass Filters: Monthly…

Remember when we explained how to choose a furnace filter? Well, the type of filter you have affects how often it needs to be changed.

Basic Fiberglass Filters: Monthly
Yep, every month that your furnace is running, pull out the filter and check for build up. For most households, these cheap filters last about a month. With these old school fiberglass filters, over time, the trapped dirt and particles clog and actually help the filter catch smaller and smaller particles. But, you can imagine, this also means the furnace will have to work harder and harder.

Advanced Furnace Filters: Every 2 – 3 Months
Check the packaging. Most advanced filters are made to be replaced every 2 – 3 months, when your furnace is running. Never filters start out with finer mesh, so when they become clogged, airflow can be significantly restricted. So, not only are you paying more for the filter up front, you’re paying more to heat your home!

Remember, if you have a combination heating and air conditioning system, air will flow through your furnace filter all year long, so you’ll need to change the filter even in the summer.

As we said before, every household is different; with unique allergies, allergens, budget, and habits. Now that you know the differences, you can think about changing up your filter and watching to see if there’s a cheaper option you don’t mind changing more…or if you can find a more expensive option that is worth it because it needs to be changed less.

And remember DFW, Baker Brothers Plumbing and Air is always here to answer your furnace questions!

]]>7 Household Tasks to Do This Fallhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/7-household-tasks-fall/
Thu, 01 Sep 2016 18:39:21 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=84907 Household Tasks to Do This Fall It sure doesn’t feel like fall, but it’s almost here. Don’t wait until the leaves fall off the trees to take care of these household chores. 1) Clean debris from your roof, gutters, and downspouts. If you let this stuff go unattended, it can pile up and cause…

It sure doesn’t feel like fall, but it’s almost here. Don’t wait until the leaves fall off the trees to take care of these household chores.1) Clean debris from your roof, gutters, and downspouts. If you let this stuff go unattended, it can pile up and cause blockage and other issues later. And when it’s cold outside, nobody wants to deal with blockage on the roof. Trust us.

2) Fix cracked or broken walkways and entryways on your property before leaves, ice, or even snow (rare, but ice and snow DO happen here, and you don’t want to bank on them not happening!) cover them. You do NOT want to hurt visitors who don’t know what they’re walking over.

3) Repair leaky faucets or pipes now. Don’t wait until things are frozen – doing it now will be less work, and less time or expense for you. We promise.

4) Get your fireplace primed and ready, if you’ve got one. Clean out old ashes as best you can – you don’t want to start a bigger fire than you intend. Test your damper to make sure it opens and closes properly. An unventilated fire is a lot less fun than a ventilated fire, and that’s a lesson you don’t need to learn.

5) Drain your water heater and make sure it’s clear of sediment. Sediment collecting in heater can make your heater overwork, heating less efficiently and costing you more money, plus risking burnout over time.

6) Check the caulking around you windows and doors for drafts – after all, you aren’t paying good money to heat the outdoors!

7) Make sure all your fall lawn care is taken care of. Fertilize, aerate, and weed your grass. Need some tips on how to take care of these? Check out our post: http://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/2012/10/3-keys-to-fall-lawn-care/

These aren't particularly attractive tasks, but they all need to be done. And trust us, in retrospect, you’ll be much happier that you did them in fall, rather than catching up on them in winter. And if you need any help fixing pipes or draining your water heater, give Baker Brothers Plumbing a call!

]]>How to Shut off Your Water Mainhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/shut-off-water-main/
Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:59:53 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=8391How to Shut off Your Water Main In this Baker Brothers quick tip video, master plumber Craig Foster shows you how easy it is to cut off your water main at the meter in case you have a water leak causing damage to your home. Just follow these easy steps and curb damage to your…

In this Baker Brothers quick tip video, master plumber Craig Foster shows you how easy it is to cut off your water main at the meter in case you have a water leak causing damage to your home. Just follow these easy steps and curb damage to your home. For everything else, call Baker Brothers! Baker Brothers Plumbing has served Dallas-Fort Worth as a licensed plumbing business since 1945.

]]>How to Change your Toilet's Water Supply Hosehttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/change-toilets-water-supply-hose/
Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:03:25 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=8494How to Change your Toilet's Water Supply Hose Noticing water leaking around the base of your toilet? Upon closer inspection, do you see that it’s coming from the hose that connects the wall and the toilet tank? If your water supply hose is leaking, it’s likely an easy fix. Here’s how to take care of…

]]>How to Change your Toilet's Water Supply Hose
Noticing water leaking around the base of your toilet? Upon closer inspection, do you see that it’s coming from the hose that connects the wall and the toilet tank? If your water supply hose is leaking, it’s likely an easy fix. Here’s how to take care of it yourself.

Tools: You’ll need a wrench (crescent or similar) capable of fitting the nut that attaches the hose to the water supply valve, a container to catch excess water, and a towel might come in handy as well. Oh, and a replacement supply hose, too.

Shut the water off: First, turn the water off to the toilet by turning the handle on the valve clockwise.

Drain the toilet tank: Next, flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll be sorry. And wet. You can also dry up the water that remains in the bottom of the tank with a towel, if you’d like.

Avoid a mess: Once you’ve flushed, place the container under the water supply valve and hose to catch any leftovers.

Begin the real work: Grab your wrench and loosen the nut attaching the hose to the valve, lefty-loosey.

Now unscrew the nut holding the hose onto the toilet tank. This one is usually plastic, and you might be able to get it unscrewed by hand.

Now, do it all again, but in reverse: Take hold of your bright and shiny new supply hose and do the opposite of what you just did to remove the old one. Tighten the plastic nut on the tank, then the metal one on the valve. Turn the handle on the valve back counterclockwise, and test your work!

]]>3 Steps to Beating Mold and Mildewhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/3-steps-beating-mold-mildew/
Fri, 01 Jul 2016 18:32:19 +0000https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=84793 Steps to Beating Mold and Mildew Imagine you’ve got guests over for dinner, and, embarrassment of embarrassments, your bathroom stinks. The windowless and vent-less bathroom has been wreaking havoc on your family’s nostrils. Before you throw in the towel (really you should be throwing out those moldy towels, but we’ll get to that in…

Imagine you’ve got guests over for dinner, and, embarrassment of embarrassments, your bathroom stinks. The windowless and vent-less bathroom has been wreaking havoc on your family’s nostrils. Before you throw in the towel (really you should be throwing out those moldy towels, but we’ll get to that in a bit) and further cancel all your dinner dates, let’s consider some steps to make your bathroom a breath of fresh air.

Step 1: Eliminate existing mold and mildew. This can be accomplished with a bathroom cleaner (vinegar/bleach are fair game), a toothbrush, and a bit of elbow grease. Don’t be shy now, let’s make mom proud. Remove damp and moldy towels from the bathroom and always be sure that the shower curtain is pulled closed for effective drying. If you can, install hooks outside of the bathroom to hang damp towels.

Step 2: Improve air circulation. DFW humidity coupled with steamy showers is a special invitation for a mold parade. Turn on a built in vent, if you have one, and increase air circulation by placing a small fan on the floor and keeping the door open. If the fan is not enough, consider buying a dehumidifier and using it after showers.

Step 3: Maintain bathroom cleanliness. A daily shower spray and quick squeegee can help cut back on mold and keep your bathroom smelling fresh. If your bathroom is fully tiled, clean the walls with vinegar/bleach periodically to kill mold spores. A light dusting of baking soda on the sink/shower/bath drains every now and then will also eliminate hostile odors and prevent mold buildup.

Proper air circulation and bathroom cleanliness are key to keeping your bathroom odor friendly and mold free. If odor and mold continue to be an issue in your bathroom, do not hesitate to contact Baker Brothers Plumbing and Air Conditioning and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.

]]>Spring Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Systemhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/spring-cleaning-air-conditioning-system/
Wed, 01 Jun 2016 16:26:54 +0000http://dev.bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=8038Spring Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System Spring has sprung! Here at Baker Brothers, we’re all about staying ahead of the game and helping you do the same. With a weekend afternoon or two this spring, you can get your HVAC system ready for primetime. We also recommend you do the same for plumbing. Why should…

]]>Spring Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System
Spring has sprung! Here at Baker Brothers, we’re all about staying ahead of the game and helping you do the same.

With a weekend afternoon or two this spring, you can get your HVAC system ready for primetime. We also recommend you do the same for plumbing.

Why should you spring clean your HVAC system? So many reasons.

1. Brownie points
2. Maintenance is cheaper than repairs
3. Failing to properly maintain your AC unit will void many warranties
4. Poorly maintained HVAC systems can cost up to 30% more to run
5. Clogged ducts will unevenly cool your home
6. Dirt and debris in your HVAC system are common allergy culprits
7. Because you don’t want your AC to go out during a Texas August

Now that you’re sold on spring cleaning your HVAC, here’s what we recommend:

Consider getting your ductwork cleaned by professionals. Baker Brothers Plumbing and Air does not currently clean ductwork, but we strongly suggest you hire someone who does. In a few hours, they can remove tons of allergens from your home. Many of them even have cameras much like those we use for drain inspections.

Clean your AC unit. Yes, these puppies are made to sit outside and take beating from the elements, but they are NOT made to churn through debris, leaves, sticks, stones, children’s toys, etc. It’s a good idea to take a look inside at the fan and be sure the path is clear. If it’s not, use a leaf blower or power washer to clear it. Then, see if you can locate a drainage hole in the base of the cabinet, beneath the evaporator fins. Clear the hole of any debris with a paper clip.

Check your AC vents. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but many folks close off certain vents during the winter, and have different vent preferences for summer. Just a friendly reminder to go ahead and make sure they are open or closed as you prefer….you know, before you spend a few hundred dollars cranking the AC for weeks and wondering why the house is unevenly cooled.

Consider blocking some AC vents, for example, in basement that is already cool and is rarely used. Hardware stores sell magnetic vent covers that are just a few bucks and install in seconds.

Clean your bathroom fans. Turn the power off, then take the cover off and wash it in hot soapy water. While it soaks, clean dirt off the fan blades with a rag or an old toothbrush.

Inspect the caulking around windows and doors, inside and out, and remove and replace old caulk. Faulty old caulk can leak air in and out, and spring’s moderate temps are perfect conditions for caulking.

Consider new curtains. This isn’t directly HVAC-related, but black out curtains can block out both the sun and warm air, giving your AC system a break. It’s much easier for room to maintain it’s temp with curtains drawn—which means money savings! If you don’t want full blackout curtains for rooms you use frequently during the day, heavier curtains of any type will still help the cause.

]]>What is the difference between soft and hard water?https://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/difference-soft-hard-water/
Sun, 01 May 2016 12:45:16 +0000http://dev.bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=7922What is the difference between soft and hard water? No matter where you go, you will hear people talk about the quality of their water. This is no surprise considering our daily lives rely heavily on the quality and quantity of water available to us. Not all water is created equal. Namely, some is hard…

]]>What is the difference between soft and hard water?
No matter where you go, you will hear people talk about the quality of their water. This is no surprise considering our daily lives rely heavily on the quality and quantity of water available to us. Not all water is created equal. Namely, some is hard (about 85% of water) and some is soft—and the difference is important.

It comes down to minerals, which are annoying in some circumstances and helpful in others. You could take a shower in Seattle and feel like the soap will never wash out of your hair. A shower in Dallas might leave you wondering if you used any soap at all. The difference between hard and soft water isn’t just a bad hair day—we are talking about serious consequences for your plumbing fixtures.

Compared to soft water, hard water has more minerals—namely, calcium and magnesium from coming into contact with rocks or soil. That means it can more easily bind with soap to rinse it away. Hard water not only rinses away soap, but it also leaves its own residue behind in the form of soap scum and lime scale. Hard water states know the importance of frequent cleaning.

Lime scale buildup can be found on faucets, shower heads, glass shower doors, tubs, water heaters and inside pipes. It eventually reduces water flow and, in extreme cases, clogs pipes and puts water-using appliances out of service. In areas of extremely hard water (hello Texas), lime scale buildup has been known to block pipes completely. Although drinking hard water doesn't pose a safety issue, it can present problems that can be frustrating and costly for homeowners. When it comes to laundry, hard water causes clothes to look dingy, dulls colors and gives whites a grey or yellow appearance. Over time, hard water can damage fabric fibers and shorten the lifespan of clothes by up to 40%. Washing dishes, glassware and silverware in hard water can cause spots and a cloudy coating - even more so when cleaned in dishwashers because the minerals from hard water are released faster under high heat.

Hard water problems? There are products available for softening your water. If you don’t already have one installed, it’s time to get a water softener and filter. You can offset hard water in your laundry room by increasing heat and detergent use. If you have intensive lime scale buildup or clogged pipes due to hard water damage, you can always reach out to your friends at Baker Brothers Plumbing. As a Texas company, we are well versed in the woes of hard water. Call us at 214-324-8811 with any questions or concerns.

]]>14 Things You Should Never Flushhttps://bakerbrothersplumbing.com/things-you-should-never-flush/
Sat, 02 Apr 2016 12:55:14 +0000http://dev.bakerbrothersplumbing.com/?p=792814 Things You Should Never Flush We’ve all been there. You have a houseful of guests and you are late for your own party. You quickly flush the pail of cat litter you were supposed to take out to the garbage along with your new baby’s dirty diaper. It’s all waste, right? Does it flush?…

We’ve all been there. You have a houseful of guests and you are late for your own party. You quickly flush the pail of cat litter you were supposed to take out to the garbage along with your new baby’s dirty diaper. It’s all waste, right? Does it flush? Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if it flushes – the problem may occur deep in your pipes, where you won’t notice until things go awry. To keep your toilet in the best working condition, we’ve prepared a list of items you should never flush. If you restrict your family to the basics--#1, #2 and a little bit of toilet paper here and there, you should be golden. While you might think a successful flush of the toilet means you will never see whatever item you were hoping to remove from your life again, it does not. All of these items on the ‘No Flush’ list can result in serious plumbing damage in the long run, if not in the immediate future.

Bathroom wipes: these moist towelettes might be advertised as “flushable wipes” but in fact are not degradable and end up getting stuck in sewer systems, ultimately causing heaps of damage. No doubt, these are a great product to keep in your home. Simply throw them in the trash when you are finished.

Disposable diapers: You might be able to get it down after a couple flushes but these non-biodegradable gems will ultimately catch in the U-bend and cause a fierce clog to the system.

Cat litter: clay + sand = DO NOT FLUSH

Cigarette butts: cigarettes are full of toxic chemicals we’d all like to keep out of the sewer system.

Fats, oils, greases: best to scrape these guys directly into the trash or designated grease jar for later use. While they may seem to take a liquid form that is fully flushable while hot, they ultimately congeal into a pipe-clogging wax.

Dental Floss: go ahead and string this non-biodegradable noose around your plumbing system if you want to deal with the repercussions. Is the trash can really so far away?

Band-aids: non-biodegradable plastics cause clogs and result in numerous issues for the sewage system.

Paper towels: One paper towel may seem reasonable. It’s not. Paper towels are not toilet paper. They do not breakdown like toilet paper and can result in a seriously debilitating clog to the system.

Excessive amounts of toilet paper: Just don’t. When it comes to your use of toilet paper, try the ‘save some for later’ approach.

Prescription medication: medications are full of toxins that cause damage to the environment and can result in a dangerous cocktail of chemicals in our water system. If there are no medical disposal facilities in your area, the FDA recommends mixing the drugs with cat litter or coffee grounds and throwing them in the garbage.

Toilet bowl cleaning head: we all like cleaning our toilets with a magical wand. After cleaning the bowl, the disposable head attachment must be thrown in the garbage—NOT THE TOILET.

Tampons and pads: they're meant to absorb moisture and expand. That's NOT what you want in your pipes.

Condoms: wrap them in some TP before you throw them in the garbage if you don't want them sitting at the top of your trash can, just don't flush them.

Hair: one of the very worst things to flush. Ever heard of a hairball? Just imagine one of those filling up your pipes. Not much is going to get past it.

The party will go on without you. Do not sacrifice your delicate plumbing system for the sake of time. In the case that your system is clogged or you need a professional opinion, your friends at Baker Brothers Plumbing are always here to help.

Clogged drains and running toilets are two of the leading causes of water damage in the home. Together, they are a destructive combination that can result in a very unsanitary mess in mere moments. Do yourself a favor and call Baker Brothers Plumbing. In emergency situations, we can be on the job in the same day, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. In non-emergencies, we can schedule jobs within 24 – 48 hours.